Be Pesticide Free

Be Pesticide Free

What are Pesticides?

Pesticides are chemical or biological msubstances designed to kill, control, or repel a variety of living things. Pesticides include insecticides (insect control), herbicides (weed control), fungicides (mold/fungus control), and rodenticides (rodent control). Pesticides are poisons which are used widely in and around homes, work places, and recreational areas.

How does this affect stormwater?

Pesticides and other lawn chemicals are carried off the lawn by runoff during a rainfall and enter storm drains which lead to lakes, streams, and waterways. When pesticides enter the waterway, they create a toxic environment for aquatic organisms. Pesticides in the water can decrease the quality and availability of water for drinking, swimming and fishing.

Why are they harmful?

Pesticides can be toxic to creatures beyond the targeted pest, and will also kill helpful insects, aquatic organisms, birds, and animals. These impacts are commonly the result of the overuse and misapplication of pesticides. When used sparingly, and according to the product label, negative impacts caused by pesticides can be reduced.

Of the 30 most commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are carcinogens, 16 are toxic to birds, 24 are toxic to fish, and 11 are deadly to bees.

Approximately 7 million wild birds and 6 to 14 million wild fish are killed annually by pesticide poisoning, mistaking the small pesticide pellets for seed and grain.

According to the EPA, 74% of homeowners use pesticides on lawns and gardens.

Homeowners use approximately 78 million pounds of pesticides every year, spending $9.3 billion dollars, mainly for aesthetic purposes.

The EPA has stated that no pesticide is safe. Pesticide contact can have acute and chronic health effects to humans. Acute effects mirror allergy symptoms and chronic effects are much more serious, though less common.

How to Prevent Water Pollution & Maintain a Healthy Environment

Tips to get you started:

Plant native shrubbery, flowers, trees, and turf. Native plants thrive with the soil conditions, rainfall, and climate in your area, with little to no chemical additions.

Mow your lawn at the tallest height suitable for the variety of grass planted. The roots of your lawn grow deeper as the grass grows taller. During a drought deeper roots can better utilize water.

Depending on the variety of grass planted, your lawn can go dormant without water during the hotter, drier months. Otherwise, during summer months, water 1 1/2 inches over 3 applications per week. During spring and fall, water 1 inch over 1 to 2 applications per week.